The Peninsular Plateau is one of the most prominent and oldest physiographic divisions of India. It forms the core of the Indian subcontinent and has played a significant role in shaping the physical, climatic, and cultural landscape of the country. Covering a large portion of southern India, it is often referred to as the backbone of India’s geological structure.
The Peninsular Plateau is geologically one of the most stable landmasses in India. It is part of the ancient Gondwana land and is primarily composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks, dating back to the Precambrian era. Unlike the Himalayan region, which is seismically active, the plateau has low seismic activity, making it a stable region suitable for settlements and infrastructure development.
The Peninsular Plateau is characterized by broad, rolling uplands and flat-topped hills, with average elevations ranging from 600 to 900 meters. It is divided into two major parts:
The Central Highlands – Includes the Malwa Plateau, Bundelkhand, and Chotanagpur Plateau.
The Deccan Plateau – A triangular landmass covering most of South India.
These regions are rich in minerals and forests, contributing significantly to India’s natural resource base.
Although it lacks perennial rivers like the Himalayas, the Peninsular Plateau is the origin of many important rivers such as:
Godavari
Krishna
Cauvery
Mahanadi
Tungabhadra
Narmada and Tapi (flowing westward)
These rivers are crucial for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectricity in the southern and central parts of India. The plateau’s radial drainage pattern also indicates its ancient geological structure and evolution.
The Peninsular Plateau is rich in mineral resources, making it a key region for mining and industrial development. Some notable minerals found here include:
Iron ore (Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka)
Manganese (Maharashtra, Odisha)
Bauxite (Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh)
Coal (Chotanagpur Plateau region)
This abundance has led to the growth of major industrial hubs such as Jamshedpur, Bokaro, and Bhilai.
The elevation of the Peninsular Plateau affects the monsoonal patterns of India. It acts as a barrier to southwest monsoon winds, causing orographic rainfall on the windward side (Western Ghats) and rain shadow conditions on the leeward side (interior Deccan). Thus, it plays a crucial role in regional climate variations.
The plateau is home to various deciduous and tropical dry forests, which support rich biodiversity. Prominent protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries, such as Bandipur, Nagarhole, and Tadoba, are located here. These forests also provide timber, medicinal plants, and non-timber forest products.
Being one of the earliest regions to be inhabited by humans, the Peninsular Plateau has seen the rise and fall of many civilizations, including:
Mauryas
Satavahanas
Chalukyas
Vijayanagara Empire
It houses ancient temples, forts, cave paintings (like Bhimbetka), and many other historical sites that reflect India’s rich cultural heritage.
While the plateau has relatively less fertile soil compared to the Indo-Gangetic Plains, regions like the black soil areas (Deccan Trap) are extremely suitable for cotton cultivation. Millets, pulses, oilseeds, and coarse grains are also grown extensively.
The Peninsular Plateau is a multifaceted region of immense geological, hydrological, ecological, and cultural significance. Its stable structure, rich resources, diverse landscapes, and ancient history make it a crucial component in understanding India’s physical geography. Whether it's the source of major rivers, storehouse of minerals, or center of ancient civilizations, the plateau continues to influence India’s development and identity.